Accident Overview
The airplane was in the descent phase of flight for landing when the engine lost power. The loss of engine power necessitated an off-airport forced landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination conducted after the accident focused on the engine controls. The throttle linkage was found disconnected from the throttle shaft arm at the carburetor. The hardware intended to secure this connection—specifically, the castellated nut and cotter pin—were missing. Additionally, the carburetor arm displayed a wear pattern indicating that a washer had been placed between the arm and the throttle linkage ball type rod end.
Airworthiness Directive Compliance
Airworthiness Directive 86-24-07 addresses the specific issue of throttle linkage disconnection. The airplane's maintenance records indicated that compliance with this AD had been performed. However, a formal maintenance sign off documenting the compliance was not recorded in the records.
Damage
The airplane experienced substantial damage as a result of the forced landing.